About “A sand wich”: This refers to the contratiempo beat, which is the syncopated clapping so often used in flamenco. You will need to clap on the “and” in-between two whole notes (for example: 1 and 2 and 3 and 4). One of the best methods to internalizing this feeling of the syncopation is to practice keeping time “on” the beat with your foot while making a clap precisely midway between the beats you are keeping with your foot, there by clapping on the off-beats. Once again, start slowly and build your speed up. A method I use when teaching (taught to me by the estimable La Meira is to use the phrase “sand-wich, A, sand-wich” while clapping and stamping. The word “Sand” refers to the foot stamp, followed by “wich”(clap), without pause clap on the “A” and repeat with foot stomp on “sand”…etc. Numerically that sequence corresponds to “sand=1” “wich=and” space for 2 “A=and. Once again, focus on the precision of timing and the quality and consistency of your tone. Once you feel secure, you are ready to add jaleo or a basic foot pattern with both the on- and off- beat palmas.

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Always Be Dancing Expressive Movement: Yoga and Flamenco for Every/Body. I am committed to inclusion. I bring inclusion to school communities, fitness professionals, Pt's/OT's, yoga studios and every(body) in between through classes, workshops, professional development seminars, public speaking, and guest blogging. I can create a program specific to your needs.